Today In History [8th April, 2016]

A chronological timetable of historical events that occurred on this day in history. Historical facts of the day in the areas of military, politics, science, music, sports, arts, entertainment and more. Discover what happened today in history.

 

 April 8

1789		The U.S. House of Representatives holds its first meeting.
1832		Some 300 American troops of the 6th Infantry leave Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, to confront the Sauk Indians in what would become known as the Black Hawk War.
1864		In the Battle of Mansfield, Louisiana, Federals are routed by Confederate Gen. Richard Taylor.
1865		General Robert E. Lee‘s retreat is cut off near Appomattox Court House.
1898		British General Horatio Kitchener defeats the Khalifa, leader of the dervishes in Sudan, at the Battle of Atbara.
1913		The 17th Amendment is ratified, requiring direct election of senators.
1935		The Works Progress Administration (WPA) is approved by Congress.
1939		Italy invades Albania.
1942		The Soviets open a rail link to the besieged city of Leningrad.
1952		President Truman orders the seizure of U.S. steel mills to prevent a strike.
1962		Bay of Pigs invaders get thirty years imprisonment in Cuba.
1974		Hank Aaron hits his 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s record.
1975		Frank Robinson of the Cleveland Indians becomes first black manager of a major league baseball team.
Born on April 8
563 BC		Gautama Buddha, founder of Buddhism.
1605		Philip IV, king of Spain and Portugal (1621-65).
1726		Lewis Morris, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
1893		Mary Pickford (Gladys Smith), early film actress.
1893		Edgar “Yip” Harburg, lyricist (“Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?,” “Over the Rainbow”).
1920		Carmen McRae, jazz vocalist and pianist.
1921		Betty Bloomer Ford, first lady to President Gerald Ford.
1955		Barbara Kingsolver, novelist (The Bean Trees, Animal Dreams).